When should timing chain be replaced?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2000
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From: Woodbridge VA
When should timing chain be replaced?
I have close to 78,000 miles. Getting ready to do a radiator swap; should I change my timing chain while the radiator is out? Would that make it easier? Also, I have a LT4; correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe I have read on the forum about an LT4 extreme duty timing chain set. Is this the correct part I should be asking for?
TIA
ZZZASY
'96 LT4
TIA
ZZZASY
'96 LT4
Intermediate
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From: Crestview FL
Re: When should timing chain be replaced? (ZZZASY)
Hi, ZZZASY,
Some tips on timing chains.... I just had the timing cover off of my 92 LT1 , which I believe is the same as yours, and in reading the manual, if there is more than 1" of play in the timing chain, then it's time to replace it... Here's the problem, the check the play, you need to remove the timing cover... and if your going to do that, you may as well replace the chain and gear set... I have 116K on my motor, and I only had about 1/4' to 3/8" play in the chain, so I left it alone... Also, if you are going to pull the timing cover off, be prepared to remove the oil pan too... and that is a pretty significant task... I know, I just did it last weekend... Check out my post in C4 General Discussion... Titled. Oil Pan, Timing Cover, Water Pump, Plug wires... I hope you find it helpful....
Gary...
Some tips on timing chains.... I just had the timing cover off of my 92 LT1 , which I believe is the same as yours, and in reading the manual, if there is more than 1" of play in the timing chain, then it's time to replace it... Here's the problem, the check the play, you need to remove the timing cover... and if your going to do that, you may as well replace the chain and gear set... I have 116K on my motor, and I only had about 1/4' to 3/8" play in the chain, so I left it alone... Also, if you are going to pull the timing cover off, be prepared to remove the oil pan too... and that is a pretty significant task... I know, I just did it last weekend... Check out my post in C4 General Discussion... Titled. Oil Pan, Timing Cover, Water Pump, Plug wires... I hope you find it helpful....
Gary...
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Re: When should timing chain be replaced? (ZZZASY)
I would wait on a cam install, or a optispark and WP change to do the timing chain.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2000
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From: Woodbridge VA
Re: When should timing chain be replaced? (Goody)
Thanks for the replies. Will wait till next opti or WP. So, it appears moving the radiator does not help with these tasks.
ZZZASY
'96 LT4
ZZZASY
'96 LT4
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2000
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From: CT
When should timing chain be replaced?
The above mentioned is good advice.
My motor is coming out this winter for a possible re-ring and a few other go-overs. Even though it'll have 45K on it by that time, I am replacing it with a new one. If you're in a situation where everything is apart..it's better to take advantage then.
Good luck.
My motor is coming out this winter for a possible re-ring and a few other go-overs. Even though it'll have 45K on it by that time, I am replacing it with a new one. If you're in a situation where everything is apart..it's better to take advantage then.
Good luck.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,143
Likes: 7
From: San Diego CA
Re: When should timing chain be replaced? (JD 90 383)
JD,
Do you really need a re-ring at 45K? I've heard that a 396SBC is hard on rings.
I'm just gathering info. I'm contemplating a 396 package (yeah, in my dreams!). (I just want to scare the heck out of those C5's while they still exist!).
Do you really need a re-ring at 45K? I've heard that a 396SBC is hard on rings.
I'm just gathering info. I'm contemplating a 396 package (yeah, in my dreams!). (I just want to scare the heck out of those C5's while they still exist!).
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 27,818
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From: CT
When should timing chain be replaced?
Hi John...
It's my nature to prepare for the worst(This car taught me how to do that!) It is going to be leakdown tested. It's going through oil at a rate of 600 miles to a quart(it started at 1000/qt) so something is not right. Weird thing is, it doesn't smoke like James Bond when driving around. It does however spit oil out of the dipstick tube(it did that since new also).
I'll keep you posted. I am enjoying it for the summer, then it's comin' out in the fall. :cheers:
It's my nature to prepare for the worst(This car taught me how to do that!) It is going to be leakdown tested. It's going through oil at a rate of 600 miles to a quart(it started at 1000/qt) so something is not right. Weird thing is, it doesn't smoke like James Bond when driving around. It does however spit oil out of the dipstick tube(it did that since new also).
I'll keep you posted. I am enjoying it for the summer, then it's comin' out in the fall. :cheers:
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From: Lake Wylie SC
Re: When should timing chain be replaced? (vader86)
I would wait on a cam install, or a optispark and WP change to do the timing chain.
